Don't Even Attempt Nail Art Unless You Have These 5 Tools

Who says you need to go to the salon for gorgeous nail art?

You may have seen them on Pinterest, Tumblr or YouTube: nails worthy of a museum exhibit. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to recreate similar styles at home. All you need are these simple tools.

Image: @paintboxnails on Instagram

1. Reusable Cotton Rounds

Instead of going through heaps of cotton rounds, try the reusable kind. They’re not only handy for your nail art, but for makeup removal as well. Just be sure to wash them between uses.

2. A Nail Dotting Tool

Whether you’re going for classic polka dot, flowers or re-creating Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” a dotting tool is invaluable to this project. It will give you more control than a brush will.

3. Various Top Coats

Typically, there are three to choose from: matte, gel, and shiny. Gel top coats last longer, so your masterpiece can be admired for up to two weeks later. Shiny is the classic way to go and can highlight your intricate detail work whereas matte is the more trend-based option. Take your pick!

4. A Fine Brush

Speaking of intricate detail work, for your tiny canvas you’re going to need tiny tools, namely a fine paintbrush. This is the best way to make sure you have clean lines and clear designs. You can also use it to clean up your cuticles afterwards - just dip the nib into some nail polish remover and you're good.

5. Foils, Jewels, & Stickers

For even more fun, don’t be afraid to add jewels and stickers. Not only will they give a cool 3D effect, but they can be useful for secretly covering up mistakes. Image: @nail_unistilla on Instagram